On July 20, 1969, the most significant event in recorded human history happened. The human race made their way of this dirtball and took a step into the larger solar system by landing a spacecraft on the Moon. That craft carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, while Michael Collins orbited in the return vehicle above them.
I will make note of this anniversary every year until I die. People need to be reminded that we can achieve great things when we get together in a united effort. If we can get to the Moon, just imagine the other things we could do if we put the effort into them.
Instead, your average American doesn’t know about the significance of this date or what was accomplished. I can’t speak for the rest of the world as I don’t have constant, daily interaction with citizens of other countries to find out if their populace at large knows about landing on the moon. Sadly, there are people who believe the whole thing was a hoax and that we’ve never been off-world. Let’s assume they are correct for a moment. Even if it was all a hoax, shouldn’t we aspire to making it a reality?
I’m glad to see that earlier this year we had the Artemis II project, launched on April 1, 2026. It was a ten day mission to shakedown the Orion spacecraft and test its systems in preparation of further Artemis program flights. Four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen – did a fly-by around the Moon, reaching the furthest point away from the Earth (252,756 miles / 406,771 km) of any crew.
Even if the majority of the populace doesn’t care about space, I’m glad to see there are still people out there who have the determination ad drive to push out beyond the confines of this blue marble.
Never forget!
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